So, You Wanna Root for the Villain? Manga's Got You Covered!
Forget the squeaky-clean hero saving the world! What if we told you some manga put the bad guy front and center? Yep, we're talking stories where the main character is, well, not exactly a good person.
Why Root for Someone... Evil?
It sounds crazy, right? But trust us, it's often hilarious, surprisingly insightful, and sometimes even… heartwarming? Seeing the world through the eyes of someone selfish, power-hungry, or just plain mischievous can be a refreshing change.
Plus, these stories often explore the motivations behind villainy. They delve into what makes someone choose the "wrong" path. Sometimes, you might even start to sympathize (a little bit!).
Manga Where the MC Embraces Their Dark Side
Death Note: Justice or Obsession?
Let's start with a classic: Death Note. Light Yagami gets his hands on a notebook that lets him kill anyone whose name he writes in it. His goal? Create a perfect world free of criminals.
Noble intentions, right? Except, he quickly becomes obsessed with his power, blurring the lines between justice and megalomania. Watching him try to outsmart everyone, including the brilliant detective L, is pure cat-and-mouse entertainment.
Who are you rooting for? Light Yagami or L? It is the question!
Overlord: Accidental Evil Overlord
Imagine being trapped in your favorite video game, but your avatar is the ultimate evil overlord. That's the premise of Overlord.
Ainz Ooal Gown, a regular guy in real life, suddenly finds himself in this absurd situation. He tries to play the part, but his awkward attempts at being evil are often hilarious, especially when his loyal (and overpowered) servants take everything way too seriously.
It's funny to watch the villain trying to act like a villain, while he doesn't want to.
Code Geass: Rebellion with a Price
Code Geass features Lelouch Lamperouge, a brilliant strategist who gains the power to command anyone. He uses this power to lead a rebellion against a tyrannical empire.
While his goal is noble, his methods are often ruthless and morally questionable. He's a master manipulator, willing to sacrifice anything to achieve his aims. Is the end justifying the means? This show explores that question in a very compelling way.
The Rising of the Shield Hero: From Zero to Anti-Hero
Okay, The Rising of the Shield Hero is a bit of a gray area. Naofumi Iwatani is falsely accused of a crime and treated as an outcast.
He becomes cynical and distrustful, willing to do whatever it takes to survive. While he's not inherently evil, his experiences push him to make choices that are far from heroic. Some might even say, he's an anti-hero in the making.
Can we still call him a hero? Or is he the villain of his own story?
Why It Works
These stories work because they're unpredictable. When the main character isn't bound by traditional heroic constraints, anything can happen. They also allow us to explore the complexities of morality.
Sometimes, the "bad guy" has a point, or at least a compelling reason for their actions. So, if you're looking for a manga that will challenge your perceptions and keep you guessing, give one of these a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy rooting for the "villain."
Who knows, you might even find a little bit of yourself in their flawed, fascinating, and often hilarious journeys.
